RMIT training: first line of defence

Senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO) aviation and avionics technicians from the Army and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) have been training with the School of Engineering (TAFE) for six and 11 years, respectively.

The SNCOs undertake the National Aeroskills Training Package, completing the Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management and Advanced Diploma of Aviation Management.

This phase of training addresses the academic requirements of the respective service training, as a prerequisite for promotion to Chief Petty Officer (RAN) and Warrant Officer Class 2 Aviation Artificer (Army).

On completion of the RMIT phase, further service-specific training is conducted at the Training Authority Aviation, HMAS Albatross, Nowra NSW (RAN) and RAEME Aircraft Maintenance School, Oakey Qld (Army).

A recent graduation event was held to celebrate the 2011 cohort's completion of the RMIT phase of training, with 17 ADF personnel receiving certificates.

Ian Bailey, Senior Educator, Projects in the School of Engineering (TAFE) and a RAAF Active Reservist, said both the ADF and RMIT phases of the training were evaluated towards the awarding of the Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas.

"This innovative strategy is something of a benchmark, in blending enterprise training - Army and RAN - with that offered by an external provider," Mr Bailey said.

"The benefits for the students and the ADF is that personnel satisfy the promotion and career stream requirements with a combination of enterprise and externally conducted training - and qualify for a nationally-recognised award from RMIT.

"At the completion of the full training package, the graduates are equipped to assume engineering management positions with responsibility for aircraft maintenance and deployment, and in the case of navy, shipboard aircraft maintenance."

The enterprise training is recognised by the relevant Registered Training Organisation and where any gaps are identified, further training and assessment is conducted to satisfy the award requirements.

The Army-RAN-RMIT model is similar to an RMIT-Royal New Zealand Air Force program that was conducted for RNZAF Engineering Officers for almost two decades.

The graduation event for the 2011 cohort involved representatives from RMIT, Army, RAN and industry.

The 17 students were presented with certificates by Professor Peter Coloe, Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of Science, Engineering and Health, and Vice-President.

The School of Engineering (TAFE) was represented by Chris Barnes, Acting Head of School, Dr Arvind Sharma, Divisional Manager, Higher Level Programs, Rob Warren, Manager Innovations and Projects, Mr Bailey and other teaching staff.

Army visiting staff from Queensland included Colonel Peter Steel, Commandant, Army Aviation Training Centre, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Millar, Commanding Officer RAEME Aircraft Maintenance School, Captain Ian (Reg) Perrin, Senior Instructor RAEME Aircraft Maintenance School, and Warrant Officer Class 2 Wayne Robinson, Technical Mastery Wing, RAEME Aircraft Maintenance School.

Col Steel also presented the Army Artificer award for highest academic achievement to Sgt Amanda Edwards.

Navy staff attending from HMAS Albatross included Commander Darryn Jose, Director, Training Authority Aviation, Lieutenant Commander Ian Hayes, Manager, Technical Training, Training Authority Aviation, and Warrant Officer Tony Bailey, CIO-ATT/Divisional Coordinator, Training.

Cmdr Jose formally presented Warrant Officer Tony Bailey with the third clasp to his Defence Force Service Medal during the event.

Professor Coloe presents Petty Officer Ray Warren with his RMIT phase certificate.

Course Leaders, Sergeant Andrew White and Petty Officer Amy Williams, respond on behalf of the students.

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